Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional and very high-quality U.S. Civil War era non-regulation Foot Officer’s sword in the general style of the Model 1850, fitted with a beautifully etched German-made blade by W. Clauberg of Solingen. The sword is especially notable for its elaborate patriotic blade decoration and the unusual Federal eagle incorporated into the steel basket guard, which differs considerably from the eagle designs normally encountered on American officer swords of the period.

During the decades before the Civil War, the U.S. Army increasingly looked to European sword patterns for inspiration. Solingen, Germany, was one of the world’s great centers of edged weapon manufacture, and German blades were imported into the United States in large numbers during the mid-19th century. Many American officers purchased privately made swords rather than government-issued examples, resulting in a remarkable variety of so-called non-regulation patterns during the Civil War.

This sword was imported from the Solingen firm of W. Clauberg, a known producer of blades intended for the American market during the period. The ricasso is clearly marked:

W. CLAUBERG
SOLINGEN

The opposite side of the ricasso carries a brass PROVED insert, while the spine is etched:

IRON PROOF

The blade is particularly impressive and features extensive etched decoration on multiple surfaces. One side incorporates a bold U.S. motif within elaborate foliate and patriotic ornamentation, while the opposite side displays an American eagle beneath an E PLURIBUS UNUM banner. The blade decoration is finely executed and reflects the higher grade of sword originally represented by this piece.

The guard is constructed from steel in the familiar openwork, multi-branch style often associated with non-regulation Civil War officer swords. Its most striking feature is the highly unusual Federal eagle worked into the basket.

Rather than the more conventional American eagle form, this example has a distinctly European appearance, with sharply pointed wings rising upward and carefully rendered feather detail. It is a very attractive and uncommon variation and gives the sword considerably more character than a standard regulation-pattern guard.

The grip was originally covered in sharkskin, but almost all of that covering has now been lost. Perhaps 5% remains in isolated areas, leaving the wooden grip core largely exposed. Despite the loss, the surviving construction makes clear that this was originally a finely finished officer’s sword.

The blade remains in relatively good condition considering its approximately 160 years of age. There is scattered pitting across the blade and spine along with some edge nicking, particularly toward the point. Fortunately, the important patriotic etching remains quite strong and clearly visible.

The original leather blade washer or buffer at the base of the blade is no longer present.

The sword retains its original nickel-plated steel scabbard, fitted with a brass throat, suspension mounts and rings, and brass drag. A substantial amount of the nickel plating remains, although there are areas of surface oxidation and rust where the plating has worn away.

Importantly, the scabbard remains straight and we have not identified any major dents or significant structural damage.

The introduction of the Model 1850 Foot Officer’s Sword and Staff & Field Officer’s Sword formalized new patterns for U.S. Army officers just over a decade before the Civil War. However, privately purchased officer swords rarely adhered rigidly to government patterns. Officers could select from American and European makers and importers, resulting in swords that combined familiar U.S. military forms with distinctly foreign design elements.

Solingen manufacturers were especially important to this trade. German firms produced large numbers of blades and complete swords for export to the United States, particularly during the enormous expansion of the Union and Confederate armies after 1861. Many were decorated specifically for American buyers with Federal eagles, U.S. motifs, patriotic scrollwork, and other national imagery.

This Clauberg sword is a particularly attractive example of that transatlantic trade. Its deeply etched patriotic blade, German maker marking, unusual steel basket, rare European-style Federal eagle, and surviving plated scabbard combine to create a sword with considerably more visual interest than a standard regulation Foot Officer’s pattern.

Overall, this is a very appealing Civil War era German-imported non-regulation officer’s sword, displaying the kind of quality, individuality, and elaborate patriotic decoration that made privately purchased officer arms such an important part of Civil War material culture.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 32 3/8”
Overall Length: 377/8”
Basket Dimensions: 3 ¾” wide x 6” Length
Scabbard Length: 33 3.4”